Saskatoon's Smoky Sensation: Bistro On B – A Deep Dive into Prairie BB

When a modest storefront in Saskatoon's Broadway district consistently maintains a 4.7-star Google rating (with 300+ reviews) for its smoked meats, culinary curiosity demands investigation. Bistro On B represents Saskatchewan's answer to authentic low-and-slow barbecue, blending Southern US traditions with Prairie sensibilities. After multiple visits and consuming enough smoked meat to warrant a napkin-stained notebook of observations, here's the definitive guide to this carnivore's paradise. The Space & Service: Unpretentious Meat Temple Measuring barely 800 square feet, Bistro On B's charm lies in its anti-pretentious authenticity. The interior channels a modern hunting lodge aesthetic with: • Reclaimed barn wood paneling adorned with vintage meat grinders • A visible smoker pumping aromatic hickory smoke into the dining area • Chalkboard menus detailing daily specials like smoked turkey or beef ribs Ordering Protocol: 1. Study the menu at your table (QR code available) 2. Order at counter where meats are hand-carved to order 3. Grab numbered placard for table service of mains Pro Tip: Arrive before 6pm to secure the coveted window booth with prime smoker views. The Smoking Process: A 72-Hour Labor of Love What separates Bistro On B from generic BBQ joints is their obsessive smoking methodology: Wood Selection: • Applewood for poultry • Hickory for pork • Oak for beef Temperature Control: • Brisket: 225°F for 16-18 hours • Pork Shoulder: 205°F for 14 hours • Burnt Ends: Double-smoked for 4 additional hours Chef's Secret: Their proprietary dry rub contains Saskatchewan-grown wild sage for local terroir. The Main Attractions: Meat-by-Meat Breakdown 1. The Brisket Trinity ($28) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ A carnivore's holy trinity featuring: • Sliced Brisket (Point Cut): Marvel at the perfect smoke ring (1/4" penetration) • Burnt Ends: Caramelized bark with molten fat pockets • Brisket Sausage: Coarse-ground texture with black pepper bite Sauce Pairing: Alternate between tangy mustard-based and sweet blueberry-chipotle 2. Pulled Pork Apple Pie Sandwich ($16) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Deconstructing the layers: 1. House-smoked pork shoulder (12-hour smoke) 2. Apple-jicama slaw for crunch 3. Bourbon-maple glaze (ask for light application) 4. Brioche bun toasted in pork fat Texture Analysis: The shredded pork maintains ideal moisture (internal temp held at 195°F) 3. Smoked Mac & Cheese ($8) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Not your childhood Kraft Dinner: • Cheese Blend: Aged cheddar, smoked Gouda, and quark • Crumb Topping: Rye breadcrumbs with caraway seeds • Smoke Infusion: 30 minutes in smoker after baking The Sides Symphony Bistro On B's sides deserve their own spotlight: 1. Crispy Brussels Sprouts ($7) • Fried in beef tallow • Tossed with applewood-smoked bacon bits • Drizzled with balsamic reduction 2. Cornbread ($5) • Baked in cast iron skillets • Contains whole kernel corn • Served with whipped honey butter Dietary Note: Gluten-free cornbread available (texture suffers slightly) The Beverage Program While not a bar, their drink pairings shine: 1. Local Craft Sodas ($4) • Saskatoon berry cream soda • Rhubarb-ginger beer 2. Boozy Add-ons ($6) • Bourbon-spiked sweet tea • Stout float for dessert The Verdict: Prairie BBQ Perfected? Scoring (10-point scale): Category Score Notes Meat Quality 9.5 Exceptional smoke penetration Sauce Variety 8 Could use more vinegar-based options Value 7.5 Brisket plate justifies price Innovation 8.5 Blueberry-chipotle sauce genius Who Will Love It: • BBQ purists seeking authentic smoke flavors • Foodies appreciating craft over chain restaurants • Groups wanting to share meat platters Who Might Not: • Salt-sensitive diners (bring your antihypertensives) • Vegetarians (though they do offer a smoked portobello) Final Tip: Order the "Meat Sweats Platter" ($45) for two with 24-hour notice - it includes all signature meats plus four sides. 📍 Location: 220 Broadway Ave, Saskatoon ⏰ Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-9pm (Smoke runs out by 8pm) 📱 Order Ahead: Recommended for weekend dinners SaskatoonBBQ #PrairieSmokehouse #MeatTour #FoodieSask #CanadianBarbecue